What to Download

I owe an apology to the rest of the music on my iPod: there's a brand-new album that'll be dominating my ear drums for the foreseeable future. Cut Copy's Zonoscope, out today, is the kind of refreshing, upbeat music I crave, and I refuse to keep it to myself. Hear me out if you're looking for a new album to rouse you from a stale rotation.

The lowdown: The Australian indie band releases its third album of electro-pop, and the tracks are pleasantly dance-inducing. Check it out if you're in the midst of a cold Winter — this album is like synthetic Summer.

Choice tracks:

• "Take Me Over"
• "Where I'm Going"
• "Hanging Onto Every Heartbeat"

Listen up if you also like: Passion Pit, LCD Soundsystem, Phoenix

Fans of The Decemberists may encounter a bit of a shock when they listen to the Portland band's latest. Though Colin Meloy's voice is recognizable as ever, the sound is distinctively different — it's country. The group's sixth album, The King Is Dead has an Americana feel to its tracks, and it's a twist that's very much intentional. Following their last release, The Hazards of Love, the artists decided to forgo their dramatic arrangements and flowery language for more stripped-down songs that tell a story.

Using a converted barn as their studio, The Decemberists pulled inspiration from the surrounding meadows and forest to weave their lyrics in King. And you can hear the influence on nearly every track from the earthy imagery in "June Hymn" to "Down by the Water." If the latter sounds a bit like R.E.M., you're not mistaken; R.E.M. guitarist Peter Buck joins The Decemberists on three of the albums' songs. But the overall message of the album is simplicity. The songs are mainly acoustic, with instruments you might find in a rundown honky-tonk (think harmonica and accordions). It seems The Decemberists have decided to let go and just unwind — and the relaxed album is perfect for just that.

Choice tracks: "June Hymn"
"This Is Why We Fight"
"Dear Avery"

Michael Jackson's Michael has already received plenty of buzz, and starting today you can download all of the posthumous tracks for yourself. It tops our list of the week's new releases, so be sure to check it out along with these other hot tunes!

Michael Jackson, Michael
The lowdown: The album features Jackson's never-before-heard tracks mixed with artists like Akon and Lenny Kravitz. Though there's been controversy over songs' validity, the album stays true to Jackson's inspirational, altruistic spirit.
Choice tracks: "(I Like) The Way You Love Me"
"Breaking News"
"(I Can't Make It) Another Day (feat. Lenny Kravitz)"
Download this album if you: Are a fan of MJ's recent work. The album channels later hits more so than old-school Michael.

Diddy Dirty Money, Last Train to Paris
The lowdown: The ubiquitous producer tries his hand at a new group, which features himself along with two female singers. With an edgier sound than what you'd expect from him, it works because Diddy takes a backseat to his gifted bandmates and guests like Drake.
Choice tracks: "Yeah Yeah You Would"
"Someone to Love Me"
"Loving You No More"
Download this album if: Kanye's latest album was just a little too intense for you.

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Looking for a break from all of the holiday music that's out there right now? Get a breather with these new nonseasonal releases.

Natasha Bedingfield, Strip Me
The lowdown: The singer who burst onto the scene with "Unwritten" is back with more upbeat inspirational tunes — but most of the lyrics are pretty cliched.
Choice tracks: "Strip Me"
"All I Need" feat. Kevin Rudolf
"Touch"
Download this album if you: Are a pop fan through and through.

T.I., No Mercy
The lowdown: The currently incarcerated rapper releases his seventh album, which, unsurprisingly, contains a few tracks about breaking free and staying on top.
Choice tracks: "Welcome to the World"
"Get Back Up"
"Castle Walls"
Download this album if you: Like a little bit of inspiration with your rap albums.

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Party down: today's new music releases are ready to drop a beat and get you grooving. From straight hip-hop to pop-imbued rap, these three albums will get you ready to party.

The Black Eyed Peas, The Beginning
The lowdown: The Black Eyed Peas's appropriately titled sixth album is a follow-up to last year's The E.N.D. Packed with techno beats and dance tracks, the disc has plenty of party tunes, but not as many breakout singles.
Choice tracks: "The Time"
"Love You Long Time"
"Someday"
Download this album if you: Have plans to throw a rager in the near future.


Soulja Boy, The DeAndre Way
The lowdown: The rapper best known for "Crank That" offers his third album of quirky urban anthems with silly but irresistible hooks. It's a great time if you're not taking rap (or yourself) too seriously.
Choice tracks: "First Day of School"
"Touchdown"
"Blowing Me Kisses"
Download this album if you: Need an album to inspire you to hop up out your bed and put your swag on.

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Since it's a holiday week, the biggest releases in the music industry are available a day early! This week we've got Kanye's much-anticipated album, along with new tunes from Ke$ha and Nicki Minaj. If none of those pique your interest, there's also a new Christmas album from Jessica Simpson and fresh tunes from Robyn.

Kanye West, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
The lowdown: For his fifth studio album, the controversial rapper delivers with tracks that show his range, dedication to the craft, and musical sophistication.
Choice tracks: "All of the Lights"
"Power"
"Hell of a Life"
Download this album if you: Want to hear a great album from start to finish (or if you want to forget about Kanye's social misfires).

Nicki Minaj, Pink Friday
The lowdown: On her debut album, the female rapper spits lyrics that detail her climb to the top. It's a mix of attitude-heavy hooks and emotional ballads that utilize every hot collaborator from Rihanna to Eminem to Kanye West.
Choice tracks: "I'm the Best"
"Blazin" feat. Kanye West
"Save Me"
Download this album if you: Are curious to see what the heavily publicized Minaj is really all about.

One more release when you read more

As we get closer to the holidays, some major albums are hitting the shelves (and they're perfect for gift-giving). Today we've got one album that's sure to get you in the spirit, plus new songs from a reigning pop princess and a music legend.

Rihanna, Loud
The lowdown: The sexy songstress gives us her fifth album, a sensual mix of pop and dance tracks, aided by hot names like Drake and Nicki Minaj.
Choice tracks: "What's My Name"
"Raining Men"
"S&M"
Download this album if you: Are ready to unleash your inner bad girl on the dance floor.



The Glee Cast, The Christmas Album
The lowdown: Your favorite glee club puts their voices to work on a collection of old Christmas favorites. Some of the songs have a new spin, and it's high in energy.
Choice tracks: "Baby, It's Cold Outside"
"Last Christmas"
"O Holy Night"
Download this album if you: Are already rockin' around your Christmas tree.

One more release when you read more

For this week's new music releases, we've got the perfect mix of song selections to rev you up and help you wind down. Check them out!

Cee Lo Green, The Lady Killer
The lowdown: Best known as half of Gnarls Barkley, Green makes a name for himself as a solo artist in a big way — with an album of soulful, Motown-esque instant classics.
Choice tracks: "F*** You"
"Satisfied"
"It's OK"
Download this album if you: Need some sexy soul sounds with a side of love advice.



Kid Cudi, Man on the Moon, Vol. II: The Legend of Mr. Rager
The lowdown: The rapper hits us with his sophomore album, which doesn't have quite as many hits as his debut disc.
Choice tracks: "Scott Mescudi vs. the World"
"Erase Me"
"Wild'n Cuz I'm Young"
Don't download this album if you: Are looking for radio-friendly tracks.

One more release when you read more

November may have only just begun, but the holiday season is already showing up in the new music offerings. If you're not in the mood for merriment just yet, we've also got a couple of other albums to rock out to.

Matt & Kim, Sidewalks
The lowdown: Hipster duo Matt & Kim release their third album of dance-y, energetic tracks. It's slightly more experimental than their last disc, without straying too far from their established sound.
Choice tracks: "AM/FM Sound"
"Cameras"
"Good For Great"
Download this album if you: Like your indie rock upbeat, noisy, and fun.

Mariah Carey, Merry Christmas II You
The lowdown: Sixteen years after the release of her original holiday album, Mariah Carey gives us a follow-up of both classics and new tunes. There's no standout like "All I Want For Christmas Is You," but it's still a decent album.
Choice tracks: "O Little Town of Bethlehem / Little Drummer Boy (Medley)"
"The First Noel / Born Is the King (Interlude)"
"Charlie Brown Christmas"
Download this album if you: Have Mariah's first album in heavy rotation during the holiday season.

One more release when you read more

Ready to get a little bit country? This week's new music releases include the reigning country-pop princess and an A-lister posing as a Nashville star. Give them a look!

Taylor Swift, Speak Now
The lowdown: Swift proves that she's an expert storyteller on a soaring new album that's more personally revealing than ever (hence the title).
Choice tracks: "Back to December"
"Speak Now"
"Never Grow Up"
Download this album if you: Need tunes to rock out to in the car.



Various Artists, Country Strong Soundtrack
The lowdown: Actors Gwyneth Paltrow and Leighton Meester contribute vocals alongside country stars like Tim McGraw (also appearing in the movie) and Hank Williams Jr. to the soundtrack of upcoming drama Country Strong.
Choice tracks: "Country Strong"
"Words I Couldn't Say"
"Me and Tennessee"
Download this album if you: Are sweet on Paltrow's voice, in addition to being a country fan.